Video & Transcript : 'Section 94B' :
Page 496 of 500
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences May 7th, 2025
Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a senior counsel with the Attorney General's office and serve as the section chief for our advice
- and compliance section in the government compliance and enforcement division at the AGO.
Summary:
The Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on May 7, 2025, with quorum present. The commission approved the October 22, 2024 meeting minutes and then received its annual open government refresher from the Attorney General’s office, which reviewed key requirements under the Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act, including record retention, response deadlines, exemptions, and meeting notice rules.
Staff then provided a 2025 legislative session update, noting that the legislature passed 23 tax-preference-related bills, with several signed by the governor and others pending. Highlights included bills that extended or repealed certain preferences, added reporting requirements for newspaper and digital content exemptions, authorized JLARC to adjust its work plan when data is unavailable, and created a new exemption for zero-emission buses. The commission approved updates to the 2026 tax preference review schedule, which includes eight preferences in seven reviews, and approved unchanged testimony questions for 2025.
The commission also received the 2025 expedited preference review report covering 52 tax preferences, presented as an interactive table drawing on prior JLARC reviews and Department of Revenue studies. Staff then outlined the process for developing the next 10-year review schedule for 2027-2036, including surveying the legislature, incorporating new and repealed preferences, and considering a possible rolling 10-year schedule. No public comment was registered. The meeting ended with acknowledgments of Ron Buing’s long service on the commission and an announcement that the next meeting would be held August 6, 2025.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Apr 22nd, 2025
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- That would actually create a separate code section to... create a separate code section to exempt the
Committee:
House Ways and Means Education
Keywords:
education funding, appropriations, local education boards, school safety, workforce development, Alabama, technology, higher education, career technology centers, public institutions, grants, local education agencies, RAISE Act, student outcomes, public schools, accountability, weighted allocations, special education, English language learners, gifted students
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- Section 4, paraphernalia, non-criminal citation. I'm not sure why that's that way. Anyway, okay.
- would just be a citation of $150, which would mean you get into the court procedures down below in Section
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee opened with a hearing on HB 1596, which would change low-level marijuana and THC possession and paraphernalia offenses into non-criminal citations or infractions, with fines and court procedures varying by amount and age. The bill’s sponsor said it was intended to reduce burdens on law enforcement, prosecutors, indigent defense, and the courts, while still deterring possession; testimony from the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents supported the bill but suggested an amendment to keep those under 21 in infraction status rather than non-criminal citation status, to align more closely with alcohol laws. Committee members questioned whether the bill was based on weight rather than potency, how it would affect criminal records, and whether the proposed amendment would treat 20-year-olds with marijuana similarly to 20-year-olds with alcohol.
Opposition came from the Chiefs of Police Association, Ward County Sheriff’s Department, and the Sheriffs’ and Deputies’ Association, which argued the bill would decriminalize a Schedule I substance and move North Dakota toward legalization contrary to voter decisions. They also said existing local plea practices already reduce workload and that the bill would still leave law enforcement with evidence handling and reporting duties. After debate, the committee adopted a do not pass recommendation on HB 1596 by a 5-2 vote.
The committee then took up HB 1416, a gaming-related bill involving charitable gaming and the ability to conduct multiple gaming activities at a site. Members discussed concerns about rural facilities, local flexibility, and whether the bill was necessary given that gaming activities can be paused or covered during another event. Senator Myrdal moved a do not pass recommendation, which passed on a 5-2 vote. The committee then adjourned until the next morning, with two bills still pending for later consideration.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider S.527, to require the Federal Trade Commission to study the role of intermediaries in the pharmaceutical supply chain and provide Congress with appropriate policy recommendations, S.1040, to amend the Federal Trade Commis Apr 3rd, 2025 at 09:15 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Attorney was to shut down the section of the U.S. Supreme Court U.S.
- I'd like to kind of make an explanation of the concern you brought up under CFR section 4.14.
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
drug competition, product hopping, generic drugs, biosimilars, federal regulations, FTC Act, patent, biological products, healthcare access, affordable prescriptions, Medicare, Federal Trade Commission, sham petitions, competition, public health, unfair competition, healthcare, pharmaceutical, antitrust law, pay-for-delay
Summary:
The meeting focused on addressing the high cost of prescription drugs and the abusive practices that contribute to elevated prices affecting American families. Several bills were presented, including proposals to end pay-for-delay deals and to enhance transparency in the operations of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The discussion was notable for its emphasis on consumer protection and ensuring that cheaper generic drugs reach the market more effectively. Members expressed frustration over past attempts to pass similar legislation stalling in the Senate, leading to renewed efforts to push these bills forward.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- language was stripped out due to a mistake by a Senate staffer that was supposed to only remove a section
- Unfortunately, the rigors of the end of session and the importance of House Bill 471's passage prevented this section
Committee:
House S/C on Workforce
Keywords:
JET Grant Program, career education, technical education, community colleges, technology solutions, high demand jobs, first responders, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, benefits, compensation, presumption of disability, emergency services, healthcare, Medicaid, mental health, substance abuse, treatment access, cost, insurance coverage
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part II) Feb 26th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, we recommend separating recess from the language in section 28.002134.
- I carried the 39-week bill. ...It said you really can't do voluntary c-sections before the 39th week
Committee:
Senate Health & Human Services
Keywords:
attorney ad litem, indigent parents, parent-child relationship, legal representation, Texas Family Code, court procedures, nutrition, health standards, food labeling, education, dietary guidelines, medical education, food safety, school meals, child nutrition, food additives, public health, 1185, senate, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Furthermore, it is unacceptable that a newborn's first breath born via C-section is that of surgical
- Furthermore, it is unacceptable that a newborn's first breath born via C section is that of surgical
Committee:
Senate Health Policy
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Health Policy met with a quorum and heard five bills. SB 126, on prescription hearing aids, would remove Florida’s prohibition on mailing hearing aids when required tele-audiology testing and procedures are completed before sale. The sponsor said the bill would improve access, especially for people with travel or geographic barriers. The Florida Academy of Audiologists expressed support in concept but said it was still working with the sponsor on an amendment for consumer safety. The committee voted the bill favorably.
SB 152 would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during certain surgical procedures. Supporters, including the Florida Nurses Association and several nurses, described surgical smoke as a workplace and patient safety hazard containing harmful chemicals, viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants, and said evacuation technology is available and already required in some settings. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 264 would expand step-therapy exemptions for severe mental illness, including certain postpartum and pregnancy-related mental health conditions, so physicians would not have to require patients to fail preferred drugs in specified circumstances. Support came from Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, NAMI Florida, and several medical and pharmacy groups, who argued that delays in effective treatment can worsen crises and increase hospital and crisis-care costs. The committee voted the bill favorably.
SB 342 would create a public-records exemption for current and former AHCA employees and certain family information, citing threats and harassment directed at inspectors and regulators. President Gaetz said he generally opposes such exemptions but supported this one because the employees are not elected officials and face real safety risks. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 294 would limit the Board of Pharmacy’s ability to add heart failure, coronary heart disease, and cardiac rhythm disorders to the list of chronic conditions eligible for collaborative pharmacy practice, keeping those conditions under direct physician management. The Florida Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons, Florida Medical Association, and the Florida chapter of the American College of Cardiology supported the bill, while the Florida Society of Health System Pharmacists opposed it. The committee voted the bill favorably. Senator Trumbull asked to be recorded in support of SB 126 and SB 152, and the meeting adjourned without further business.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- legislature regular session, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of the state of Texas, pursuant to Article 4, Section
- I, Greg Abbott, Governor of the state of Texas, pursuant to Article 3, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- The department recommends that provisions of part three, section four, which were added, be updated to
- As you noted in our testimony, um<00:06:35.800><c> section</c> um section um section >> Deputy<
- </c><00:08:03.520><c> four,</c> provisions of part three, section four, provisions of part three, section
- referring to is House Bill 2294, and I think that one, it might have just— there might have been a section
- </c><00:19:49.320><c> that</c> there might have been a section that there might have been a section that
Bills:
SB2613 , SB2543 , SB2398 , SB2046 , SB2800 , SB2818 , SB2973 , SB2367 , SB2907 , SB3067 , SB3053 , SB2944 , SB2074 , SB2596
Committee:
House Water & Land
Keywords:
public school land transfer, Department of Education, DOE, land conveyance, fee simple title, tax map key, TMK, Act 307, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, Act 139, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, Kauai, Maui, Honolulu, Kaimuki Middle School, Wilcox Elementary School, school property
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 2613, SD1, HD1, relating to public school land transfer. The Attorney General’s office and the Department of Education supported the bill’s technical cleanup of Act 307, but strongly opposed a new provision that would convey school parcels containing public and school library facilities to the Hawaii State Public Library System. They argued the added transfer language conflicted with Act 307’s purpose of consolidating school land for more efficient school operations, and said existing law already allows co-located library use through rights of entry, licenses, or other agreements. The library system supported the bill and said it was trying to resolve longstanding operational conflicts on shared school-campus libraries, especially where public access, construction, and campus safety issues arise.
Members questioned whether the Board of Education should simply mediate the dispute, whether the bill was the right solution, and whether a formal memorandum of agreement might be a better approach than a land transfer. The library system described years of difficulty coordinating with DOE on projects and said it needed a clearer process to complete work and spend CIP funds. Discussion also touched on a Kauai parcel in the bill, identified as a tennis court, and whether resurfacing could be completed before any transfer. The Attorney General indicated that if the goal is to preserve library uses while keeping title with the state, DLNR or another documented arrangement may be more appropriate than transferring fee title to the library system.
The committee then heard SB 2543 SD2 HD1, relating to state construction projects. DAGS supported the measure, and the Hawaii Ironworkers Stabilization Fund and Hawaii Building Construction Trade Council strongly supported it, saying the bill would help spot-check high-cost projects and reduce waste from overruns and delays. One testifier opposed the bill, arguing the proposed construction manager role was too limited and that DAGS needed more training, decentralized authority, and better internal decision-making rather than a new layer of oversight. Supporters said the bill was intended as a pilot program to address repeated cost overruns and improve accountability on state construction projects.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Thu Feb 19, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- It adds a new HRS section to help prevent unauthorized access and enhance security.
- And also for the purpose of this section, the installation of these homes must be manufactured in Hawaii
- /c> [snorts] want to amend HB1 1742 by [snorts] want to amend HB1 1742 by taking<02:44:57.520><c> section
- 3 of HB1 1719 HD1 and taking section 3 of HB1 1719 HD1 and putting<02:45:00.560><c> it</c><02:45:00.640
- , the installation of these homes section, the installation of these homes must<02:45:28.560><c> manu
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing.
The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing.
For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities.
The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes the omnibus education policy bill, SF1740 5/16/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, we heard Representative Kudson say that they are a one-section school.
- Okay, we heard Representative Kudson say that they are a one-section school.
- This is a technical section that's mostly related to PSO and adult basic education, which is ABE.
- Um this is a section special education.
- Uh, Article 6 is our health and nutrition section. Um, which I really like this section.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - Part 1 - 04/02/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- And we're going to go straight into the section subtitled Delivering Early and Often, just as that's
- And we're going to go straight into the section subtitled Delivering Early and Often, just as that's
- And we're going to go straight into the section subtitled Delivering Early and Often, just as that's
- subtitled delivering early and section subtitled delivering early and often<00:04:10.879><c> um</c><
- Um in this section, we're any questions.
Committee:
Senate Jobs and Economic Development
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (03/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- That particular section about the rebuttable presumption of harm has been in state statute for seven
- 169-C:12, which is the rebuttable presumption of harm, right, section, and it specifically states, "
- , and presumption of harm, right, section, and it<03:21:48.720><c> specifically</c><03:21:49.439><c>
- And by the way, can we say what section that's in for the representation? Go ahead. Second.
- that's in for the what what section that's in for the representation?
Summary:
The committee opened with a brief update and prayer for Oscar, a person known to members, noting he was making slow but encouraging progress and awaiting transfer to rehab. The hearing then began on House Bill 518, which would require the commissioner of DHS to provide a detailed annual report of DCYF costs. Representative Erica Leyon, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to improve transparency, clarify how DCYF resources and shared services are used, and help future discussions about staffing, funding, and whether DCYF should remain within DHHS or become a separate department. She said the department could likely comply without additional cost and was open to adjusting the reporting date, with the department preferring December 31 instead of September 1.
Committee members and the DCYF director, Marie Nunan, discussed whether the bill was duplicative of existing reporting and whether it should also include federal funding mandates. Nunan said DCYF already has many policies and reports, but does not currently produce one consolidated DCYF-specific report in this form; she also said the department believed it had the capacity to file the report and was not taking a position on the bill. Several members questioned whether the measure was necessary, while others supported transparency but suggested the information was already available or could be obtained without legislation. In executive session, the committee voted 15-1 to retain HB 518, meaning it will not advance to the calendar at this time.
The committee then opened House Bill 775, sponsored by Representative Jod Nelson, concerning supervised visitation centers. Nelson introduced Dr. Scott Hampton, who testified that supervised visitation is important for child safety, domestic violence prevention, and family preservation. Hampton described the history of visitation centers in New Hampshire, saying funding cuts had reduced the number of centers over time and that prior legislation had failed due to budget reductions. He argued that supervised exchanges can reduce risks such as abuse, abduction, and homicide, and said the service can prevent harm without adding cost by avoiding more serious incidents. The hearing on HB 775 was still underway at the end of the transcript, with no vote or final action shown.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (03/04/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm just looking at how, in section one, we use the word appropriation, which was not in the 742 bill
- I think the language in this section makes it clear because both of these things are in RSA 186:188,
- one we use the word at how in section one we use the word we've<02:38:27.640><c> got</c><02:38:27.800
- </c> um you've got in section um you've got in section two<02:38:45.720><c> the</c><02:38:45.840><c>
- </c> so I I think the in this section so I I think the in this section language<02:40:34.120><c> makes
Summary:
The executive session focused primarily on HB 563, which revises the school funding formula, especially the adequate education grant amounts for special education students and the treatment of fiscal capacity disparity aid. Representative Ladd moved OTPA on Amendment 06508, explaining that FY 26 would largely hold the current formula steady, while FY 27 would increase several per-pupil amounts, including base cost, free and reduced-price meals, English language learner aid, and special education differentiated aid. He said the special education change was based on estimated case loads across disability categories and that the amendment also reinstates fiscal capacity disparity aid, using a formula intended to better assist property-poor communities.
Several members supported the amendment as a step in the right direction, saying it better recognizes special education costs and separates property wealth from low-income student counts. Others raised concerns about the lack of time and the absence of a printed spreadsheet showing how the fiscal capacity disparity aid would affect each town. In response, sponsors said the spreadsheet existed, that the LBA had copies, and that the amendment would help about 40 target towns, while Manchester would be the main community receiving less under the new formula because of prior shifts in the extraordinary needs grant.
Discussion also covered the broader impact of the bill, with members noting that about 200 of the state’s 245 cities and towns would see an increase and 45 a decrease under the proposed FY 27 changes. Supporters argued the bill was a compromise given limited revenues and that it should move forward so it can be considered by the full House and then Finance. No final vote on the amendment or bill was taken in the portion provided, and the chair indicated the committee was still deciding whether it had enough information to proceed.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- we also added a three-year-old classroom to Corey View, and so those three classrooms served six sections
- </c><01:05:06.440><c> in</c><01:05:06.640><c> am</c> classrooms serve six se sections in am classrooms
- serve six se sections in am and<01:05:07.240><c> a</c><01:05:07.400><c> PM</c><01:05:07.960><c> class
- </c> elementary school serving six sections elementary school serving six sections of<01:05:40.400><c
- us the relief from the Mandate section only<01:56:04.639><c> deals</c><01:56:04.920><c> with</c><01:
Committee:
Senate Education Finance
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HED/EDN Joint Public Hearing -Tue Feb 11, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- It has to do with section four, the staggered school start-time program.
- There's one section of this proposal dealing with providing adult staff chaperon.
- </c><01:27:20.880><c> of</c> um there's one section of um there's one section of this<01:27:22.840><c
- On page 3, section 2, lines... ...measures that are near and dear to my heart, just on food security
- ...page 3, section 2, replacing 'no less than' with 'no more than,' changing it from the sale of the
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 707 on the College Savings Program. Members discussed a suggested amendment from the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities to include the Hawaii ABLE Savings Program. The chair said the Department of the Attorney General advised there was no title problem, so the bill could be broadened to cover both the College Savings Program and the ABLE program. The committee also noted technical, non-substantive changes and a defective date of July 1, 3000 for further discussion. HB 707 HD1 was then voted on and the recommendation to pass with amendments was adopted unanimously by the members present, with two members excused.
The committee then heard House Bill 424, which would provide free breakfast and lunch beginning the next school year to students who currently qualify for free and reduced-price meals. The Department of Education supported the measure, and testimony in favor came from teachers, public health and food security advocates, and several organizations. Supporters described students being denied meals because of unpaid balances, said school meals should not depend on family debt, and argued that the bill would reduce stigma and help hungry students learn. Committee questions focused on meal pricing, the impact of raising prices on families who pay full price, and whether portion sizes could be increased; DOE said breakfast costs less than lunch, full-price students would bear any increase, and portion sizes must follow USDA rules. Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute and Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network said many families above the free/reduced thresholds still cannot afford meals, citing estimates that the DOE collects about $20 million a year in meal payments and that federal reimbursement totals are much larger.
The committee then heard House Bill 757, the universal free school breakfast and lunch bill. DOE and the Department of Health supported it, and testimony was overwhelmingly in favor from county officials, teachers, students, food banks, advocacy groups, and community organizations. Witnesses argued that universal meals would eliminate stigma, reduce paperwork and debt collection, and ensure students do not fall through the cracks because of income cutoffs, language barriers, or administrative hurdles. Several students from Castle High School described classmates asking for food and families struggling to keep meal accounts funded, while teachers said they regularly see negative meal balance notices and hungry students. Advocates also said the bill is the better equity vehicle because it avoids means testing and reaches students who are not currently receiving meals despite needing them. The hearing on HB 757 was still ongoing at the end of the transcript, and no final vote on that bill was shown.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance (03/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- 8 Housing Voucher was his Section 8 Housing Voucher was reduced<02:03:26.679><c> by</c><02:03:26.760
- We support HB 2, Section 112, allowing DHHS to allocate additional funds to prevent waitlists for child
- We support HB 2, Section 112, allowing DHHS to allocate additional funds to prevent waitlists for child
- We support HB 2, Section 112, allowing DHHS to allocate additional funds to prevent waitlists for child
- We support HB 2, Section 112, allowing DHHS to allocate additional funds to prevent waitlists for child
Summary:
The House Finance Committee opened a public hearing on House Bills 1 and 2, which concern the governor’s proposed FY 2026-2027 budget. The chair explained that the committee must fit the budget to House Ways and Means revenue, which is about $800 million below the governor’s estimate in an almost $16 billion budget. He also noted a projected current-budget overspend, the impact of recently passed legislation, possible fee updates, no new tax proposals at that time, and the importance of federal funding and Medicaid stability. Testimony was limited to three minutes, with the chair asking speakers to avoid duplication.
Much of the testimony focused on Medicaid, disability services, and home- and community-based care. Speakers urged the committee to restore or protect funding for transportation, Medicaid, day programs, in-home supports, and behavioral health services. Several individuals and providers described how cuts would affect people with disabilities, medically fragile children, and families who rely on services to remain employed and avoid institutional care. A home care provider argued that a proposed 3% Medicaid cut would increase hospitalizations and costs, while a behavioral health representative asked for sustainable Medicaid rates, uncompensated care support, housing resources, and continued funding for community behavioral health clinics.
Another major topic was the Group II retirement provisions in HB 2 for public safety workers. Representatives from police, fire, corrections, probation/parole, and related associations testified in support, saying prior pension changes hurt recruitment and retention, pushed experienced workers to neighboring states, and should be reversed to restore promised benefits. They argued the provisions would help keep public safety careers viable and honor commitments made to first responders. An executive counselor also warned that when the state shifts costs away from itself, local property taxpayers bear the burden, and she opposed cost shifts such as Medicaid premiums and universal vouchers. A separate speaker urged funding public schools rather than universal vouchers, arguing vouchers can leave other students behind as resources are diverted.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Education Funding Committee May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I have 31 slides, six data sections, 29 graphs, mostly comprised of multiple views of a similar data
- Grades vary by section, and the data set will be called out if it's not all.
- Thankfully, we are through the hot and heavy sections of that testing window.
- Thankfully, we are through the hot and heavy sections of that testing window.
- We're going to move on to the next section of our committee work.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes and then received a lengthy DPI presentation from Stanley Schauer on statewide reading and math assessment data for students with and without disabilities. He explained the assessment systems used over time, the absence of 2019-20 data, and how North Dakota’s standards are set by educators. Members asked about alternate assessments, cohort trends, the apparent drop in proficiency in higher grades, and the new NDA+ assessment. Schauer emphasized that the biggest pattern in the data was the relative stability of students with disabilities, the post-pandemic drop and partial recovery, and the need to focus on reducing the novice category. He also said the state plans to revisit high school standard setting and that future data could be broken out by program, disability category, and schools using science-of-math or other initiatives. Public testimony from special education staff suggested that the flat performance of students with disabilities during COVID likely reflected continued services and intensive supports, and committee members discussed whether the current disparity goal is realistic and whether growth measures would be more useful than simple proficiency buckets.
After the presentation, the committee took a short break and then moved into discussion of special education funding models. Chair Richter said members should contact Schauer directly with ideas for additional data views and noted that the committee would continue its work on funding and possible model changes. Brandon Bomback of Grand Forks Public Schools began a presentation arguing that the special education funding formula, especially the weighting factor, should be reconsidered if the committee wants a system that better reflects accountability and student needs. He said his comments were based on the perspective of a larger district and focused on the special education weighting factor rather than other parts of the formula. The remainder of his presentation was not included in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House panel debates GOP resolution to begin impeachment proceedings against governor, AG Apr 15th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Constitution Under Minnesota article Constitution article<00:12:21.320><c> 8</c><00:12:21.800><c> section
- the</c><00:12:22.960><c> governor</c><00:12:23.280><c> may</c><00:12:23.440><c> be</c> article 8 section
- 1 the governor may be article 8 section 1 the governor may be impeached<00:12:24.040><c> for</c><00:
- Additionally, article 5, section 3 requires the government to ensure that the laws are faithfully executed
- Members, under article 8, section 2 of the Minnesota Constitution, the attorney general may be impeached
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, this is an amendment to bring further clarity to sections of the bill.
- </c> sections of the bill. sections of the bill.
- And replace line 35 on page two with the following: Any public official, as defined in section 36-25-
- 1, or any family member of a public official, as defined in section 36-25-1.
- And at the end, the section 36-5, that part. What do you know what that area covers?